Grapple with Incorporated Winch

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a loader with a grapple and a winch device, or a grapple and winch device combination configured to attach to a loader. The grapple has an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower grapple arms. The winch device is housed within the cavity. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system, with the shared hydraulic actuation system comprising a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion the hydraulic pressure provided to the grapple and winch device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/808,428, filed Feb. 21, 2019.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of mobile logging equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to skidding and loading equipment, and more particularly to skidding and loading equipment adapted for mounting upon the front end of tractors, skid steers, or skid trucks, or similar wheel-supported conveyances.

2. Background of the Invention

The field of logging includes the use of wheel-supported tractors and similar conveyances to enable the movement of logs from one location to another. Most commonly, this movement is from a location where the logs are cut to another location for further processing or loading into a vehicle for hauling a longer distance. It has been well known to use a skidding unit that includes a winchline extending from a winch secured to a tractor or skid truck. A skidding unit is a vehicle or similar conveyance that is used to pull an object, such as a cut log, from one location to another, with the object partially supported and partially dragging the ground or floor. A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull an object in toward the winch by winding up a winchline, which can be a rope or cable or similar structure as known in the art. Winding up the winch tightens the tension on the winchline and pulls an object attached to the free end of the winchline toward the winch. As known in the art, a winch is typically a spool or drum onto which the winchline is rolled, and a source of power to wind or unwind the spool or drum.

In the field of logging, the winchline has an end that is disposed upon a winch and a free end. The winchline is attached on its free end to a cut log, usually with a choker assembly or similar mechanism securing the log to the winchline. After such attachment, the winch is operated to pull the logs toward the tractor or skid truck. Typically, the winch pulls the attached end of the log off the ground at a position near the tractor or skid truck, at which point the log can be moved to the desired location by driving the tractor or skid truck.

Once the log is skidded to the desired location, the log is released from the winchline. Thereafter, a loading mechanism is used to move the cut log to a more desired location, usually a truck for further transport. This typically involves using a loader with a grapple to engage the cut log and lift them into the truck. A grapple is well known to those skilled in the art, and is typically an apparatus that has at least two arms that are joined together in such a way as to allow for the opening of the grapple by moving the two arms apart at a point from which the arms pivot together. When the grapple is opened, an object, such as a cut log, can be encompassed within the separated arms of the grapple, at which point the arms are moved closer together again, thereby closing the grapple and engaging the object more securely, at which point the object can be lifted or moved.

It has long been known in the art to provide the grapple loader and the winching skidder device as separate implements for skidding and loading cut logs. However, this is expensive and inconvenient, in that several pieces of equipment need to be purchased and maintained. Further, in a typical situation, each implement will require its own operator, or a single operator will need to move between several pieces of equipment, causing a great deal of wasted time and disruption to efficient handling of cut logs.

It is desirable and in the interest of economy and efficiency to provide a single implement for both skidding and loading cut logs. A combination implement would advantageously result in only one required implement and could be used easily by a single operator.

The prior art includes some devices that have attempted to solve this problem, but has yet to provide a device that easily and efficiently allows a single operator on a single piece of equipment to skid cut logs, including with the use of a winch, and then grasp the cut logs with a grapple for further handling.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,431 to Fischer discloses a Grapple Unit for Logging Vehicles. The grapple unit is arranged upon a movable arch of a log skidding vehicle, and the grapple unit includes a structural plate assembly providing enclosed support for a pair of grapple arms and a hydraulic jack, with the grapple arms preferably being operable by a single hydraulic jack through an interconnecting link with the grapple arms closing towards a gripping surface on the structural plate assembly in order to secure logs and the like of varying sizes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,102,528 to Cripe discloses a Combined Log Skidder and Loader. The Cripe device is a wheel tractor that includes facilities for skidding logs and a loading assembly by which the logs may be loaded onto a truck. The wheel tractor includes an upright log skidding arch at a rearward end thereof. Winchlines are played out over rollers provided with this arch to be attached to felled trees. Felled logs are attached to several separate winchlines or choker assemblies. The engaged logs are skidded by the tractor to positions adjacent the rearward tractor end. The tractor then skids the logs to a truck loading area. The logs are unhooked from the winchlines and the integral loader assembly is operated to load the logs onto a waiting truck. The loading assembly includes a framework that mounts to the rearward tractor framework astride the upright arch. Loading boom members are mounted to the loader framework. They include grapples at outward free ends that operate to hold logs while the boom members are raised and lowered by a pair of boom operating cylinders. The complete loader assembly is mounted clear of the arch and winchlines when in operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,358 to Klebs discloses a Horizontal Grapple. The grapple apparatus is provided for supporting and maintaining an unbalanced load in a substantially horizontal position, comprising a grapple beam fitted with movable arms, adapted for moving opposedly to engage or disengage a load and for moving concertedly along the beam to effect a balancing of the load, responsive to remote activation and control.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,902 to Sapelak discloses a means for converting a grapple skidder to a cable skidder. The means is an improved boom grapple assembly which enables a skidder operator to easily transform the boom grapple assembly from a grapple skidder mode of operation to a cable skidder mode of operation and back again.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,017 to Brigden discloses a Grapple Attachment. The Brigden device is an arch structure that serves to pivotally connect a grapple to a main frame of a tractor, an articulated wheel vehicle, or the like. An imaginary longitudinal axis extends substantially centrally with respect to the vehicle in forwardly and rearwardly extending directions. A winch has a casing that is mounted on the rear of the vehicle's main frame, and has a winch shaft that extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The arch structure is pivotally connected to the vehicle's main frame by means that includes a pair of side arms for detachable connection to the main frame of the vehicle, with means on the side arms for pivotally supporting the arch structure including a pivot pin connected to each of the side arms and in alignment with each end of the winch shaft. The arch structure includes spaced leg members, the lower ends of which are mounted on pivot pins arranged such that the pivot point of the arch structure is coaxial with but not connected to the axis of the winch shaft.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,298 to Barwise discloses a Skidding Grapple to move a load such as a tow of logs, over a terrain that is particularly difficult to traverse. It is a grapple assembly to engage the load that has offset grapple arms that bypass one another when closing to encompass the load. A choke line is connected at one end to the winch line, and has first and second choke line legs that connect to the ends of the grapple arms. As the grapple arms close, the choke line legs form a noose to engage the end of the load and bear the weight of the load upon lifting of the grapple arms. A coupling releasably connects the grapple assembly to the boom. A winch line extends over the boom end, past the coupling and is connected to the grapple assembly, such that upon release of the grapple assembly from the boom, it remains connected to the tow vehicle by the winch line. Reconnection of the coupling assemblies is facilitated, since the winch line passes over the boom tip and results in alignment with the coupling assemblies as they come together.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,870 to Funk discloses a Logging Tractor Assembly. The device is a logging tractor accessory for supporting a cable from grapple-style skidding implement. The inventive device includes a housing secured to an arch of a logging tractor equipped with grapple-style skidding elements. The housing includes a pair of upwardly extending side members disposed in a parallel relationship. Upper ends of the side members have a horizontal support extending therebetween. Three guide members are provided including an upper guide member and a pair of side guide members. The upper guide member extends between the upper ends of the side members in a horizontal orientation. The pair of side guide members are secured to leading edges of the side members. A roller is secured between the side members downwardly of the horizontal support. The roller receives a cable from the logging tractor thereover.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,160,077 to Westendorf discloses a Grapple assembly, a front end loader having a grapple assembly, and method for operating a grapple assembly. A grapple assembly for attachment to a boom assembly of a front end loader is provided. The grapple assembly includes a first pinching arm having a first end constructed for grappling an article and a second end constructed for attachment to the boom assembly at a first attachment arm connection, the first pinching arm having a first pinching arm connection. The grapple assembly also includes a second pinching arm having a first end constructed for grappling an article and a second end constructed for attachment to the boom assembly at a second attachment arm connection, the second pinching arm having a second pinching arm connection. A rotation arm constructed for attachment to the boom assembly at an attachment cylinder connection is provided, the rotation arm having a first rotation arm connection and a second rotation arm connection. A first pinching arm linkage is attached to the rotation arm at the first rotation arm connection and is attached to the first pinching arm at the first pinching arm connection. A second pinching arm linkage is attached to the rotation arm at the second rotation arm connection and is attached to the second pinching arm at the second pinching arm connection. Rotation of the rotation arm relative to the boom assembly causes the first pinching arm and the second pinching arm to move between a closed position and an open position. A method for operating a grapple assembly is provided.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,611,618 to Miller discloses a Dual action grapple apparatus. The grapple apparatus may comprise at least one grapple arm movable between an open and a closed position, and having a proximal arm portion and a distal arm portion. The apparatus may include a primary actuator having extended and retracted conditions to move the proximal arm portion, and a secondary actuator having extended and retracted conditions to move the distal arm portion. The primary actuator may be configured such that an initial rate of movement of the primary actuator from the extended condition toward the retracted condition is slower than an initial rate of movement of the secondary actuator from the extended condition toward the retracted condition to produce substantially complete movement of the distal arm portion of the at least one grapple arm toward the open position before movement of the proximal arm portion toward the open position is initiated.

Despite the presence of these and other inventions that purport to be useful for efficiently skidding and moving cut logs, there remains a need for an improved skid steer or tractor mounted winch that is encompassed within a grapple device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a grapple device that includes an incorporated winch that can be mounted on a standard tractor or skid truck, and which can be used to more efficiently move cut logs from one point to another without the need to effect extensive changes to the equipment, or to have more than one piece of equipment or several operators.

Efforts to provide a grapple and a winch in the same device has been attempted, but those skilled in the art have failed in this endeavor. Accordingly, such a combination would be unexpected to be successful. Such a combination would be considered too heavy—those in the art would desire to design grapples to be as lightweight as possible to take full advantage of the machines lifting capacity. And having a heavy implement in the front of a loader or tractor can cause the machine to tip, loosing traction of back tires. Further, providing the combination has resulted in the winch causing the combined implement to be top heavy when not attached to a machine, resulting in a safety hazard of falling over and injuring an operator.

Moreover, the combination presents the problem of controlling the location of the winchline and winch hook, which can be in the way if the grapple is used to carry logs. Solving this problem by providing guards to protect the winch from damage when using the grapple can cause over heating of the winch from lack of air flow.

Finally, there is a hydraulic obstacle. Loaders and tractors are typically provided with hydraulic systems for powering attached implements, including hydraulic fluid reservoirs, pumps, hoses, and valves. The systems typically include a selector valve which allows the user to choose which implement to use. However, controlling multiple implements has posed a problem, in that the appropriate hydraulic flow for one implement may be different from the appropriate flow for another implement. In this instance, the winch typically needs more flow because its control with hydraulic cylinders needs more pressure, while control of the grapple effectively requires lower pressure. Application of the high pressure needed for the winch would result in too much flow to the grapple and cause the grapple to open and close too quickly, but application of the correct pressure to the grapple results in the winch operating too slowly.

These problems are addressed, and the various positive additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a grapple adapted to be attached to a tractor or skid loader or similar mechanical conveyance. The grapple comprises upper and lower arms, and is operable to close the two arms together to grasp an object, such as a cut log. In a preferred embodiment, the lower arm is stationary, and the upper arm is attached at a distal end of said upper arm pivotally to the stationary lower arm in a manner that permits the more distal portions of the upper arm to be moved away from the more distal portions of the stationary lower arm, thereby opening the grapple, and which permits the more distal portions of the upper arm to be moved toward the stationary lower arm, thereby closing the grapple. Moving the upper arm away from the stationary lower arm serves to open the grapple, resulting in a position suitable for enclosing an object meant to be grasped. Subsequently moving the upper arm toward the stationary arm closes the grapple, thereby grasping the enclosed object.

The upper and lower arms of the grapple of the present invention define a cavity near the attachment point of the two arms. A winch device comprising a power source, a spool or drum, and a winchline disposed upon said spool or drum, is situated within the cavity defined by the upper and lower arms of the grapple.

More broadly, this present invention relates to a loader, such as a tractor or a skid loader, having lift arms which are preferably mounted on the front end of the loader. The lift arms are generally pivotable with respect to the mobile frame of the loader, and terminate in a mechanism adapted for pivotal attachment to a mounting structure comprising the grapple of the present invention. The grapple device of the present invention is mounted in a manner comprising the mounting structure. The grapple device has a lower grapple arm and an upper grapple arm. The lower grapple arm is mounted in a stationary manner to a lower edge of the mounting structure. The upper grapple arm is mounted to an upper edge of the mounting structure. The upper grapple arm is provided in a manner that allows for the movement of the upper grapple arm, and comprises a proximal arm portion and a distal arm portion, which provides space in the cavity formed between the upper and lower grapple arms to house the winch device. Opening and closing of the grapple of the present invention is affected preferably hydraulically, with the upper and lower arms of the grapple are connected hydraulically. There is a winch device comprising a power source, a spool or drum, and a winchline disposed upon said spool or drum, situated within the cavity defined by the upper and lower arms of the grapple. The winch is operated as known in the art. The present invention preferably further comprises a hydraulic operating mechanism for powering the movement of the upper grapple arm and the winch in a controlled manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of the present invention arranged for attachment to a tractor or skid loader.

FIG. 2 is a view of the present invention, showing a right lateral view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention, showing a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention, showing a side view of the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention, showing a side view of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the hydraulic apparatus in the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   1. Tractor -   2. Grapple Winch -   3. Mobile Frame -   4. Lift Arm -   5. Attachment Structure -   6. Mounting Structure -   7. Lower Grapple Arm -   8. Main Plate -   9. Left Plate Portion of Main Plate -   10. Right Plate Portion of Main Plate -   11. Gap -   12. Left Lateral Lower Panel -   13. Right Lateral Lower Panel -   14. Teeth -   15. Upper Grapple Arm -   16. Proximal Arm Portion -   17. Distal Arm Portion -   18. Right Lateral Connector -   19. Left Lateral Connector -   20. Proximal Panel -   21. Right Lateral Finger -   22. Left Lateral Finger -   23. Distal Panel -   24. Support Structure -   25. Hydraulic Cylinder -   26. Piston Rod -   27. Winch Cavity -   28. Winch -   29. Selector Valve -   30. Winch Hydraulic Line -   31. Grapple Hydraulic Line

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the present invention as a loader, in the form of a wheeled tractor 1, with grapple winch combination 2 ready for attachment. The tractor has a mobile frame 3, and is movable in forward and rearward directions. The tractor has axles and wheels mounted on the frame members of the mobile frame 3. The tractor has at least two lift arms 4. The lift arms are mounted on the front end of the tractor 1. The lift arms are pivotable with respect to the mobile frame of the tractor by actions of at least one hydraulic actuator. The lift arms terminate in attachment structure 5. The attachment structure attaches pivotally to the grapple winch combination 2.

FIGS. 2-3 show further details regarding preferred embodiments of the present invention. The grapple winch combination 2 comprises a base mounting structure 6 adapted for attachment of the grapple arms. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure is one of several types known in the art, and more preferably the universal skid steer mounting structure well-known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure 6 has an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower grapple arm 7 comprises a main plate 8 which extends across the length of the mounting structure 6 between the two lift arms 4 of the tractor (or loader) 1. The main plate 8 may be manufactured of any suitable material known in the art, generally manufactured of metal or a metal alloy. The main plate 8 is attached at its proximal edge in a stationary position to a lower edge of the mounting structure 6. The main plate 8 has a distal edge, and in a preferred embodiment, the main plate 8 comprises a left plate portion 9 and a right plate portion 10, wherein the two portions are separated from each other by a gap 11 placed in a substantially central portion of the distal edge of the main plate 8. The lower grapple arm 7 further comprises left lateral lower grapple side panel 12 and right lateral lower grapple side panels 13, which are situated approximately perpendicular to the left 9 and right plate portions 10, respectively. The left and right lateral lower grapple panels each have a proximal edge, which is attached to the mounting structure 6. The left and right lateral lower grapple panels also have a distal edge opposite the proximal edge, which may comprise a plurality of teeth 14 for grasping an object.

The grapple device of the present invention also comprises an upper grapple arm 15.

The upper grapple arm is mounted to the upper edge of the mounting structure 6. The upper grapple arm 15 is attached to the mounting structure 6 in a manner that allows for the movement of the upper grapple arm. In a preferred embodiment, the upper grapple arm comprises a proximal arm portion 16 and a distal arm portion 17. The proximal arm portion 16 comprises right lateral connector 18 and left lateral connector 19, which each have first and second ends, with a proximal panel 20 extending across between the right and left lateral connectors. The right and left lateral connectors may preferably be mounted at their first ends in a substantially stationary position to the upper edge of the mounting structure 6. The mounting may be affected by any method known in the art, and may preferably be comprised of metal or metal alloy flanges or pins formed to interact with the mounting structure. The distal arm portion 17 likewise comprises right lateral finger 21 and left lateral finger 22, each of which having a first and second end. The first end of the right (or left) lateral finger is pivotally mounted to the second end of the right (or left) lateral connector, respectively. The left and right lateral fingers may preferably be provided in a shape that makes grasping the object easier, such as curved in a direction toward the lower grapple arm. The distal arm portion 17 further comprises a distal panel 23 extending across between the right 21 and left lateral fingers 22. This portion may comprise support structures 24 as required, and the distal panel 23 may be formed of a material to reduce the weight of the device, such as metal mesh panel.

Opening and closing of the grapple of the present invention is affected by any manner known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower arms of the grapple are connected hydraulically, as with a hydraulic cylinder and the appropriate pivots and connections as known in the art. FIGS. 4-5 show a more preferred embodiment, with a hydraulic cylinder 25 mounted at its first end in a stationary manner to an inside portion of the lower grapple arm 7. The hydraulic cylinder 25 comprises a piston rod 26 which is attached pivotally to a first end of the right 21 or left lateral fingers 22 of the upper grapple arm 15. Increasing pressure in the cylinder 25 results in extension of the piston rod 26, and effects the opening of the grapple by moving the lateral fingers 21, 22 away from the lower grapple arm 7. The opposite action moves the lateral fingers toward the lower grapple arm, thereby closing the grapple.

FIGS. 2-5 show that the upper grapple arm 15 and lower grapple arm 7 of the grapple of the present invention define a winch cavity 27 near the attachment point of the two arms, proximate to the mounting structure 6. The present invention further comprises a winch device 28 comprising a power source, a spool or drum, and a winchline disposed upon said spool or drum, situated within the winch cavity 27 defined by the upper and lower arms of the grapple. The winch 28 is operated as known in the art. Preferably, the winch is operated hydraulically.

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the hydraulic operating mechanism for powering the movement of the upper grapple arm and the winch in a controlled manner. Loaders and tractors are typically provided with hydraulic systems for powering attached implements, including hydraulic fluid reservoirs, pumps, hoses, and valves. The systems typically include a selector valve which allows the user to choose which implement to use. However, controlling multiple implements has posed a problem, in that the appropriate hydraulic flow for one implement may be different from the appropriate flow for another implement. In the present instance, operation of a winch requires increased flow, but the increased flow causes the upper grapple arm to open and close too quickly. FIG. 6 shows an aspect of the present invention, in which the inventor has discovered that this pressure could be adjusted by providing a separation of hydraulic fluid hose from the selector valve to the implements into two hoses by providing a separation that allows for providing a larger diameter hose that extends to the winch, and a smaller diameter hose that extends to the upper grapple arm. This results in providing higher flow to the winch and relatively lower flow to the upper grapple arm, allowing both implements to be operated effectively. FIG. 6 shows the selector valve 29, the winch hydraulic line 30, and the grapple hydraulic line 31.

The disclosed panels and other structures do not need to be solid. Including open portions in these panels, such as those illustrated, can reduce the cost of the devices, decrease the weight, and improve performance.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a loader comprising a grapple comprising a winch device.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a loader comprising a grapple, wherein said grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a with a grapple and a winch, wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a loader with a grapple and a winch with a shared hydraulic actuation system, wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, wherein said grapple comprises a winch device.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, comprising a winch. The grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower grapple arms. The winch device is housed within said cavity.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, wherein said grapple comprises a winch device. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, wherein said grapple comprises a winch device. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system. The shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A loader comprising a grapple comprising a winch device.
 2. The loader of claim 1, wherein said grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity.
 3. The loader of claim 1, wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.
 4. The loader of claim 3, wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.
 5. A grapple configured for attachment to a loader, said grapple comprising a winch device.
 6. The grapple of claim 5, comprising an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity.
 7. The grapple of claim 5, wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.
 8. The grapple of claim 7, wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device. 